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April 02, 2006
Hospital Mix
Many of my friends, like me, are music nerds, so I thought this might be of interest. I wanted to make something for Calley and me to share at the hospital. Tracks for a good mix should be chosen strategically (and played in order) to evoke certain ideas and emotions, and these all have a specific rationale. So because life should have a good soundtrack, here's my hospital mix:
The One I Love [David Gray] - this one's for Calley. Because she's just that. The next couple of songs are for her, too.
I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You [Colin Hay]
Closer [Joshua Radin]
Soul Meets Body [Death Cab For Cutie] - witnessing the birth of a child is the closest thing I've seen to these things intersecting in plain view. I want to live where soul meets body...and feel what it's like to be new.
Chicago [Sufjan Stevens] - this guy's music just blows my mind. Brilliant and truly original. All things grow, all things grow.
Till Kingdom Come [Coldplay] - with all these trips to the hospital, it feels like this is how long we've been waiting. I never felt this way before...I hear you laugh, I heard you sing - I wouldn’t change a single thing.
Miracle Drug [U2] - an ode to the epidural (just kidding). A beautiful song with numerous meanings for me. Freedom has a scent, like the top of a newborn baby's head.
Follow The Light [Travis] - this one's about the birth canal (again, kidding). It’s alright, just follow the light and don’t be afraid of the dark.
Naked As We Came [Iron & Wine] - I lay smiling like our sleeping children - one of us will die inside these arms - eyes wide open, naked as we came.
First Day Of My Life [Bright Eyes] - obvious birth connotations, right? Simple, beautiful love song. Yours is the first face that I saw - think I was blind before I met you.
Original Of The Species [U2] - Please stay a child somewhere in your heart...you are the first one of your kind.
Sweetness Follows [R.E.M.] - It’s these little things, they can pull you under - live your life filled with joy and wonder.
Golden Slumbers [Ben Folds] - normally a good mix tape (uh, playlist) should never include back-to-back songs by the same artist, but A) this is really a Beatles song (duh), and B) it's so short that this and the next song are kind of a Ben Folds medley. Sleep pretty darling do not cry, and I will sing a lullabye.
Gracie [Ben Folds] - this one makes me think of Naomi. Certain lyrics catch my heart in my throat. If you ever have a daughter, you'll understand what I mean.
Daughters [John Mayer] - fathers, be good to your daughters. I'm gonna do my best.
Posted by Matt at April 2, 2006 11:15 AM
Comments
Where is "Pac Man Fever?" Nothing says "magic of birth" like a little of the fever!
Posted by: Tony at April 2, 2006 12:25 PM
You know me so well. That's the hidden track at the end.
Posted by: Matt at April 2, 2006 12:54 PM
Matt: Having a wonderful daughter in Calley, I understand exactly how you feel. When you came into our family, my prayers were answered. Thank you for loving our girls...... and you are a wonderful father! Blessings, Mom R
Posted by: Mom Rambo at April 3, 2006 02:21 PM
C-love the mix. Only a few more days to wait, max. Congrats to both of you on soon to be #2.
Doug
Posted by: digdug at April 3, 2006 05:16 PM
Oh, and we're aficionados not nerds, right?
Posted by: digdug at April 3, 2006 05:18 PM